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Cinco de Mayo in US: Which Cities Should You Visit?

September 17, 2025

Introduction

Cinco de Mayo is more than just a way to celebrate Mexican culture; it’s a fun, colourful holiday with parades, good food, and lively music. It is a big holiday in Mexico, and it has also become one of the biggest holidays in the US. The best cities in the US to celebrate Cinco de Mayo have a lot of cultural events, street parties, and great food.

So, where should you go to really enjoy the Cinco de Mayo celebrations? This guide will show you some of the best US cities to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, give you tips on how to plan your trip, and help you make the most of this fun holiday. These cities have everything you need for a great Cinco de Mayo, whether you love food, music, or just having fun.

1. The best US cities to celebrate Cinco de Mayo

If you want to know where to go for the best Cinco de Mayo, here are some of the best US cities to visit. Every city has its own unique vibe that adds to the fun of the festivities, so no matter where you go, you’ll have a great time.

Los Angeles, California: The Centre of Cinco de Mayo

Los Angeles is definitely one of the best places in the US to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. LA knows how to throw a party because it has a lot of Mexican-Americans. Street festivals, parades, food trucks, and live music will happen all over the city, but especially in East LA.

  • What to Look Forward:

    • Cinco de Mayo Festival at Olvera Street: Head to the historic Olvera Street, where you can find traditional Mexican food, folkloric dances, mariachi performances, and street vendors selling handmade goods.

    • Nightlife: LA’s nightlife takes on a festive twist, with many bars and restaurants hosting themed events and offering special Cinco de Mayo cocktails.

    • Food: From tacos to tamales, Los Angeles offers some of the best Mexican food in the US. Make sure to grab a margarita and some street tacos!

Looking to fly directly to LA? Book flights from New York to Los Angeles for the perfect Cinco de Mayo experience.

A Celebration of San Antonio, Texas’s Rich Mexican Heritage

San Antonio is another great city in the US for Cinco de Mayo because it has a lot of Mexican culture and a lively celebration of the holiday. San Antonio has one of the most authentic Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the US. The weather is nice, the food is great, and the mood is festive.

  • What to Expect:

    • Fiesta San Antonio: Although Fiesta San Antonio is a week-long event, Cinco de Mayo plays a huge role. Expect live music, parades, and outdoor festivals that showcase the city’s cultural diversity.

    • The River Walk: The San Antonio River Walk is an ideal place to stroll during Cinco de Mayo. You’ll find restaurants, shops, and plenty of outdoor cafes where you can enjoy margaritas and local Mexican dishes.

    • Local Flavor: San Antonio is famous for its Tex-Mex food, so make sure you try local favorites like enchiladas, fajitas, and chili con carne.

Cinco de Mayo in Chicago, Illinois, with a big city twist

Chicago is a great place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo because it has a lot of different people and a lively culture. The city is known for throwing great outdoor festivals, parades, and street parties. These events make it one of the best places in the US to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

  • What to Look Forward:

    • Cinco de Mayo Parade: Chicago hosts one of the largest Cinco de Mayo parades in the Midwest. You can enjoy watching traditional dances, colorful floats, and performances from local Mexican-American communities.

    • Mexican Cuisine: Chicago is a foodie haven, and Cinco de Mayo is the perfect time to indulge in some of the best Mexican food. Enjoy a burrito, quesadilla, or guacamole at the city’s renowned Mexican restaurants.

    • Live Music: The city also boasts a variety of events with live mariachi music, salsa bands, and more, adding to the festive spirit.

Looking for affordable flights to Chicago? Book cheap round-trip flights from Los Angeles to Chicago and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

Denver, Colorado: A Place to Have Fun and Learn

Cinco de Mayo isn’t the first city that comes to mind, but it’s definitely one of the best places to have a fun and lively party. Every year, thousands of people come to the Cinco de Mayo Festival here for a mix of food, culture, and fun.

  • What to Look Forward:

    • Cinco de Mayo Festival in Civic Center Park: This annual event celebrates Mexican culture with food vendors, arts and crafts, a car show, and a lucha libre wrestling competition.

    • Live Music and Dancing: The festival features live performances from Latin bands, mariachi groups, and salsa dancers who light up the stage throughout the day.

    • Mexican Street Food: Denver is known for having amazing Mexican food, so take the chance to enjoy tacos, tamales, and freshly made guacamole.

2. Ideas for Getting the Most Out of Your Cinco de Mayo Party

Here are some tips for having the best Cinco de Mayo in US now that you’ve picked your city:

1. Make plans for your trip early

Because so many people come to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, it’s important to plan your trip ahead of time. This includes making reservations for flights, hotels, and any events you want to go to.

For instance, book your flights from Miami to Chicago well in advance to get the best deals during this busy time of year.

2. Wear the Right Clothes

Cinco de Mayo is a time to celebrate, so wear bright colours, fun clothes, and shoes that are easy to walk in. A lot of people wear traditional Mexican clothes, so you can join in the fun and wear something festive!

3. Take part in events in your area

There are parades, festivals, food tastings, and other events in each city to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Don’t just watch; get involved! While some cities have ticketed events with special food and drink options, many have free public festivals.

4. Have fun with the food and drinks

The food and drinks are some of the best things about Cinco de Mayo in US. Every city will have its own unique foods and drinks, like tacos and enchiladas, margaritas and palomas. Try something different and enjoy the flavours that make Mexican food so good.

If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Phoenix, make sure to stop by some local food trucks for real Mexican food.

3. Why do people in the US celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

You might be asking yourself, “Why do we celebrate Cinco de Mayo in US instead of Mexico?” This is why:

  • Real Celebrations: Many cities in the US have the most real and fun Cinco de Mayo parties, with food, music, and cultural performances.
  • Cultural Experience: Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in US helps you learn more about Mexican-American culture. You will find lively communities that honour their history and share their customs.
  • Festivals that are full of life: US cities know how to throw a party. There are many ways to join the fun and make new memories, whether it’s a parade, street fair, or concert.

Conclusion: Your Ideal Cinco de Mayo Party is Here!

Cinco de Mayo is a great time to celebrate Mexican culture with colourful parties, delicious food, and lively music. There are a lot of fun things to do on Cinco de Mayo in US, whether you’re going to Los Angeles, San Antonio, Chicago, or Denver.

Today is the day to start planning your party! Get cheap flights from Houston to Denver and join in on the fun.

No matter where you go, you’re sure to have a party you’ll never forget. ¡Viva Cinco de Mayo!

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